The Atlantic Tech Transfer Team for Apiculture recently hosted a full day introductory queen production workshop for beekeepers across the Maritimes. This event brought together experienced beekeepers for a day focused on learning, discussion, and hands-on practice in both the classroom and apiary. This workshop exposed beekeepers to the basics of queen productions practices.

Review of the 2026 Queen Production Workshop

This past Wednesday, June 17^th the workshop took place in Bible Hill, combining classroom learning, hands-on demonstrations, and time in the apiary.  Over the day, learners applied techniques discussed in class to practices in the apiary. This workshop reached full capacity, reflecting the strong interest in queen production in the Maritime region. Participation was offered to beekeepers with a minimum of three years of experience. 

The morning portion of the workshop focused on the fundamentals of honey bee queen production in the Maritimes. The requirements for becoming a queen producer, the considerations involved in large-scale production, and the equipment and resources needed to support a successful queen rearing operation were discussed. This part of the training provided a strong foundation for understanding what influences grafting success and colony performance.

Figure 1: Students observing a cloake board colony (ATTTA ©, 2026)

Following the classroom session, the group transitioned outdoors. In the apiary, participants examined examples of suitable grafting frames from colonies. Students also viewed a prepared Cloake board set up and had opportunity to look at mating nucs. One of the highlights of the afternoon was the hands-on grafting practice. Participants had the choice of a Chinese, German or Swiss grafting tool to try grafting larvae. 

Figure 2: Participants practicing grafting with various tools (ATTTA ©, 2026)

Throughout the day, beekeepers had the opportunity to ask questions, share knowledge and discuss their thoughts on queen production in the Maritimes. This event was a great introductory level course on queen rearing.

Overall, the event was a great success, and ATTTA was pleased to see such strong engagement from all three provinces. With a full waiting list and continued interest, ATTTA hopes to offer similar workshops in the future. 

Written by Kaitlyn Newton, ATTTA Seasonal Apiculturist

Connecting with ATTTA Specialists

If you’d like to connect with ATTTA specialists or learn more about our program, you can:

visit our website at https://www.perennia.ca/portfolio-items/honey-bees/

Email attta@perennia.ca